Holly Hill police: Suspect shot, killed in home invasion robbery

One man is dead and another man is still at large after they attempted to rob a Holly Hill residence and the homeowner fought back, the police chief said Saturday.

KATIE KUSTURASTAFF WRITER

One man is dead and another man is still at large after they attempted to rob a Holly Hill residence and the homeowner fought back, the police chief said Saturday.

Holly Hill Police Chief Mark Barker said the suspects, both believed to be from South Florida, targeted the home of Jerry Stremovihtg, 62, about 10 p.m. Friday. He said a second resident, Kenneth Conley, 53, was sitting on the front porch having a meal when the two suspects pulled up in front of the house at 263 15th Street.

Sanlee Bennett, 35, and a second suspect who police have not named, approached Conley on the porch and began to beat him, Barker said. The suspects also used an electroshock weapon multiple times on Conley.

After gaining entry to the home, the suspects entered Stremovihtg's bedroom, Barker said. Stremovihtg said one of the suspects had a knife, so he pulled out a .38 revolver and fired at the suspects.

“Bennett was struck by at least one of the rounds,” Barker said. “He stumbled outside and died in the front yard of the home.”

Barker said the other suspect got back in the vehicle and fled east on 15th Street while Stremovihtg continued to fire shots at him.

Stremovihtg and Conley were taken to Halifax Health Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries, Barker said. No charges have been filed against Stremovihtg, who police believe was targeted by the suspects.

Barker said detectives believe they have established the link between the suspects and Stremovihtg, but they are not releasing it at this time.

He said both suspects have extensive criminal histories in South Florida.

Bennett was charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and resisting arrest in Palm Beach County in April, records show.